Peloton viewpoint as cameras on bikes permitted for World Ports Classic, which starts today

They have previously been banned during competition by the UCI but a trial to determine if they would enhance coverage of the sport have seen cameras been given a green light for the World Ports Classic, which begins today.

Two riders in the peloton will compete with onboard cameras on their bikes plus transmission devices which will enable broadcasters to show a very close view of the inside of the peloton.

Belkin Pro Cycling rider Mark Renshaw will have one of the cameras, giving an on-board perspective of a rider who could fight for success in the race.

The second camera will be on the bike of Argos Shimano rider Tom Veelers. He is acting as leadout for Marcel Kittel and consequently his camera will be backwards-facing.

The development should help give a more dynamic view of the race and, it is hoped, give those watching on television a bigger appreciation of the speed and skill of the sport.

The project is the result of a collaboration between race organizer ASO, which also runs events such as the Tour de France, Dutchview Mobile Broadcast plus Riedel Communications. It is made possibly by the UCI, which has waived its normal rules on cameras for the race.

The measure is part of moves to modernize the coverage of the sport.

In addition to the onboard cameras, the HD broadcast will also have a camera moving alongside the riders in the final sprint, as has been done on the Champs Elysees in the Tour de France.

Aside from three cameras on motorbikes, there will also be five different cameras in the finish areas in Antwerp and Rotterdam.

The race began last year and was won by Tom Boonen. He took stage one, while Theo Bos was triumphant on stage two. Both riders will miss this year’s event; Boonen has a bad saddle sore, while Bos is not down to ride. He was ruled out of the Vuelta a España with low cortisol levels.

The race will be able to be watched in 159 countries, 99 more than last year.